In what might be the dumbest debate in baseball, Daniel Murphy is making the smartest decision. He is staying out of the whine-fest involving criticism from two radio personalities.

You know the story: Murphy, the New York Mets' second baseman, took paternity leave to be with his wife Tori for the birth of their first child. Young Noah is fine, by the way, as is Mrs. Murphy. As a result, Murphy missed the season's first two games.

This silly argument served to raise attention to two men who generate controversy for a living. Remember, Murphy had support of the Mets in his decision. He is allowed the time off under the collective bargaining agreement. GM Sandy Alderson said Murphy could go. Teammates stood up for him in the wake of the attacks.

"He missed two games," Collins said, according to the New York Daily News. "It's not like he has missed ten. When you start attacking Dan Murphy's credibility, you need to look in the mirror a little bit."

After missing the Mets' opener he sat out Wednesday's second game. His first game was Thursday.

And the Mets are 0-3.

So the sanctimonious found ground to plant seeds of sour grapes.

Here's what Francesa said:

"One day I understand. And in the old days they didn't do that. But one day, go see the baby be born and come back. You're a Major League Baseball player. You can hire a nurse to take care of the baby if your wife needs help.”

Here's what Esiason said:

"Quite frankly, I would have said C-section before the season starts. I need to be at opening day. I'm sorry. This is what makes our money. This is how we're going to live our life. This is going to give my child every opportunity to be a success in life. I'll be able to afford any college I want to send my kid to because I'm a baseball player."

Yes, he is sorry. Esiason, a former NFL player, admitted on Friday he blew it. He made a lengthy apology on the air, for dragging the Murphys into a controversy, and for assailing womanhood and reproductive rights.

Among the serving of crow he ate: "all I can say is that I truly, truly, feel terrible about what I put them through. So for that I certainly apologize."

Final word: In another article, the Daily News said it found about 100 cases of baseball players taking time off for births since MLB's policy began in 2011. Baseball allows three days' leave, under terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Francesa and Esiason are having a cow; they need a time out. It's Murphy who comes out the winner.